GM Turmoil's Slave Ships of Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master ckelley83

"How convenient it be unlocked, let me take a look." Kelumur sets his gear down and stealthily moves in to scout the area.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Untir perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Da'e perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Other than the door that is suspiciously damaged and open, Untir does not hear anything unusual. However, Da'e his scorpion familiar starts fidgeting on his shoulder.

He whispers to his party, gesturing to his scorpion. "I am uncertain what's happening inside but Da'e hears something inside. Best to be on your guard." At that, Untir gestures to Da'e to scurry into his pouch while he draws his shortspear. Like Tenibri, he waits for someone else to take the lead in entering though.

Orgrim nods grimly at Untir's words, and hefts his hammer in his hands while whispering to his companions "Slaver or no, Mr. Mahdi is still a law-abiding citizen of Absalom and thus deserving of our aid."

Letting Kelemur move ahead to scout, Orgrim stays back several paces to give him room while stepping into the premises...

Mahdi’s Chattel is pleasantly decorated. An Andoren rug lies over the polished wooden floor of the entryway, and a small decorative table holds a curious stone statue. The eastern half of the room is in slight disarray, apparently from light renovations that are nearly complete.

The stone statue stands almost 2 feet tall, and has simian features, massive horns, and a long tail. The windows have been smashed, and broken glass lies on the floor and on the desk on the opposite side. The work table in the center of the display parlor conceals a heavy, polished stone with a 4-inch-diameter steel ring attached to the top, providing an anchor for manacle chains.

Go ahead and place yourselves on the map.

Tenibri follows Kelumur and Orgrim into the front room of Mahdi's establishment.

He murmurs some arcane words: "pliigita konscion" Casting Heightened Awareness for a +2 competence bonus on Perception and trained Knowledge checks; can be dismissed for a +4 bonus to Initiative (duration 10 minutes)

He slowly starts looking around, trying to find evidence of why the windows may have been smashed, or that Mahdi or the perpetrators might still be here.

Perception, heightened awareness: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

Untir, following Tenibri's lead, withdraws his wand of longstrider and makers a few attempts before managing to activating it.

Depends on whether GM gives us sufficient time for him to do so, of course.

Milos moved into the room to the left of the table, looking around. "I don't recognize that statue. Does it mean anything to anyone else?", he asked.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Hervey says, "I think the statue is a Bekyar tribal representation of Angazhan."

It's not really clear on the map, but there is a door on the east side of the room.

You can hear two men shouting at each other through the door, and from the sound of it, someone is looking for money.

Hearing voices on the other side of the door, Milos moved up and opened it, ready for trouble.

Kelumur draws his daggers and walks in right behind Milos. "Heh, I don't like the sound of that. Be on your toes men."

This large office doubles as a private parlor for Mahjub Mahdi to conduct his legal but objectionable business. The room’s furnishings consist of a round table with two comfortable chairs, a desk with a metal-banded strongbox beneath it, and a refreshment cart. Two paintings hanging on the north wall both depict the bustling harbor of Katheer.

Several smashed bottles of wine lie on the floor next to the refreshment cart, and a large half-orc holds a bearded Keleshite man off the ground by his fine-spun tunic. Two humans armed with short swords stand near the door, and hold out their hands, motioning you to stop and not come any further. The half-orc turns towards the door and snarls at you, while still holding the man "Who the f@$% are you? You best get the hell out of here and mind your own damn business. Didn't you see the sign on the door? Don't make me ask twice!"

Milos grinned and said, "We have matters to discuss with Mr. Mahdi, so this is our business - I insist."

@ Milos: What are exactly are the spoilers you keep adding for?

Sorry if that's the wrong place for it - when I put Mental Focus in my transmutation implement, it increases one physical stat by +2, as long as there's at least 3 points invested (in this case +2 str). If it's distracting I'll put it in the body of my profile. I'm new to PBP so please let me know if I should be doing something differently.

Orgrim steps forward, lowering his hammer and speaks in a low, calm voice "Now good sir, as my colleague mentioned, we have business with Mr. Mahdi, just like you do. Furthermore, we have no quarrel with each other, only with Mr. Mahdi. And though I can see that you are sending your...message to him, surely you can understand, from one professional to another, that if by chance you damage Mr. Mahdi irreparably one way or another, he would become useless to all of us?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Untir also steps up, keeping his drawn morningstar low and unthreatening. He smiles calmly at the half-orc. "Perhaps if you share with us your business with Mr Mahdi, we could work together to find a peaceful solution. Certainly, if all of three parties can get what we want without bloodshed, that is much preferable?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Tenibri slips up to the door. He stays silent, choosing to remain unseen and perhaps unremarkable as he edges up next to Kelumur, peering under the half-orc's arm into the room. Hmm, not a lot of space in there. But if I could slip past that thug there.... Risky; let's see how this plays out first.

Kelumur stands watching over the whole ordeal by the door, waiting to see what reaction of their new acquaintances. Whispering to Tenibri " Looks like we may need to resort to violence." He smirks as he says this, almost as if he would enjoy a little violence.

Hervey waits at the door. When he hears the others whispering about violence, he takes a moment to manifest his lashes.

@ Milos: It's fine if you want to put it there, but there's really no need. If you use an ability, just declare it when you do and I trust you to track it yourself. Some people will also put a spoiler somewhere in their heading to show tracked resources, that's another way.

Ogrim and Untir's words seemed to have had an effect on the brutish enforcer, "Hmmm, you make some sense. Tell you what, I'll leave this scum bag alone for a week on one condition. I can't be leaving here empty handed. Like you said, I'm a professional here and word can't get around that I don't complete a job. How's about you give me a down payment for Ol' Mahdi here.....let's say 50 gp. Then I walk out of here and he's all yours to do with as you please." and he loosens his grip a bit on the Kelshite.

Tenibri moves to the other side of the door so that he can get his eyes on Orgrim as the negotiation continues. He mutters a small incantation under his breath, "flustris mesaĝon", as he points his finger at the paladin.

Casting Message, targeting Orgrim (duration: 10 minutes)

Milos considered the Thug's words. That would save us some trouble, he thought to himself. He turned to his companions to gauge their reactions; he raised his eyebrows as if to ask, "what do you think?"

Orgrim gives a slight nod to Tenibri and glances at Untir to play along with his lead before scowling slightly at the half-orc "Good sir, I'm sure your job was to make sure that Mr. Mahdi got the message to pay his debts...and the destruction you all have wrought here is definitely worth more than 50 gp. Understand that we're professionals too...and that we're not authorised to simply hand money about."

Sighing, Orgrim looks at the surroundings, over at Mahdi, then back to the half-orc "In fact, the fact that you got here and trashed this place first means others will know that you are not a man to be messed with, whereas we only got the pickings here."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Untir's sharp ears pick up Tenibri's whispers. He glances to Orgrim at the same time that he looks at Untir. He similarly discreetly gives a silent nod back to Orgrim.

Untir adds on, grinning somewhat impishly at the half-orc. "Besides, imagine the boost to your reputation when word gets around that not only did you wreck the property of Mr Mahdi here for not following up on his debt recompensation, but that you also intimidated down six of his associates! None would dare toy with you after that. "
diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

The half-orc considers your words carefully, "If the situation were reversed, I suppose I wouldn't be handing out money to save a low life either. Fine, take care of your business with Mahdi. But know this slaver, Mezuk will be back." he shoots a fierce scowl at Mahdi, and departs, nodding at you as he passes.

Mahdi takes a moment to straighten his outfit and has a nervous habit of running his hands over his pulled-back hair when he speaks. "Well I thank you for that, it could have gone much worse if not for your intervention. I have no idea how you managed to talk Mezuk down though, I didn't even know the man had a brain! He's part of The Sanguine Beast, a local group that likes to shake down businesses for protection money. Really though, all you're paying for is for them to leave you be. But I digress. Mahjub Mahdi at your service, how may I help?" He sits down at the desk and pulls out a pipe which he starts to stuff with tobacco.

"Well done - you two have silver tongues!", Milos said to Orgrim and Untir. "I thought we were going to have to beat them into submission." Perhaps I should let them make the inquires, he thought to himself.

Hervey steps inside, impressed that his companions were able to defuse that situation. He retracts his lashes with the danger past. He waits in the corner while the talkers do their thing.

Kelumur as well, enters the room without trying to make any efforts in conversation, however he looks around the room once again to see if he notices anything useful, especially logs, or books informing of the slave trade business.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Tenibri looks around at the smashed room, and then at Mr. Mahdi lighting his pipe. Hmmm, I'd be a bit freaked out if that just happened to me. Set aside the slavery aspect and I still don't think I'd want to be in a business where this was the usual order of the day. He smiles to himself at the absurdity, and then approaches the slaver.

"Mr...." Tenibri coughs and smacks his lips a bit, as if he's parched and could use something to wet his throat before continuing.

Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 (trying to see if Mr. Mahdi will offer up some of the wine that the solicitor had praised)

[i]Ugh, way to be obvious, Tenibri[i] He quickly abandons his ruse, recognizing himself that it was completely transparent. He presses on instead. "Mr. Mahdi, we are trying to find the origin of a slave that was sold to a Lady Silviana. We believe that you had a hand in the sale, and are following up to see what you can share with us."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 or as Aid Another, as appropriate

Milos added, "The slave in question was a young woman purchased to serve as a handmaiden. What can you tell us about her background?"

Diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 if he can help here

A broad smile lightens his face at your inquiry, "Ahh so it's information you want! That I can help you with! Normally I would say that's worth 400 gold, but for you, I'll only ask 200. A special price for special friends!"

Picture of him added to the map as well.

Milos scowled. "Perhaps we should invite Mr. Mezuk to come back..."

"Come, come," Untir says, laying a hand on Milos to appease him. "I'm sure there's no need for that. Surely Mr Mahdi is aware of the most valuable assistance that we have offered him. And that value of that is clearly woth much more than a few hundred pieces of gold."

He turns to stare at the slaver, with a guileless smile on his face.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

If he doesn't cooperate and still ask for gold... I'll be doing the below.

Kelumur starts to grow frustration, and walks up to the man with a heavy pace, showing some anger, breathing right into his face, growling even a little. "Look here scum, I hate slavers and you're not definitely our friend, and your safety is not any concern of ours. The only reason you're alive right now is the fact we need this information." He says this all, with a firm intonation, showing he will not be "bargained" with, while moving in to his belt starting to grip two of his daggers very tightly, making sure this is obvious to him. "You should consider your next words wisely, because Mr Mezuk is not the only one you should be worried about, we have friends in high places would be more than happy to destroy this establishment here."

intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Nice.

Mahdi swallows hard as beads of sweat begin to appear on his forehead. "I am not looking for anymore trouble today, I will tell you what you want." He tries his best to put a smile back on but it's obviously forced. "The slave Atlag came to me through an infrequent supplier, a ship captain named Waheeda Wardak. Her ship, the At Sea, sailed with the distinctive yellow sails used by the Okeno pirates the last several times it was in Absalom. I'm expecting another shipment from Wardak tomorrow actually, and the At Sea should be docking tonight if it hasn’t already arrived." Mahdi hesitates and seems quite nervous to continue. "I was also told to expect an enslaved Pathfinder as part of tomorrow’s lot. But I swear to you, I had nothing to do with that. My plan was to let your group know once they were in my custody."

Milos smiled and replied to Mahdi, "A wise choice - we'll take it from here." A chance to shut down some slavers - now that's what I'm talking about! he thought to himself. Time to strike a blow for Freedom!

"Enslaved Pathfinder? Please tell us more." Was that a hint of steel in his voice?

Orgrim broods over the new information shared by Mahdi "Were there any other slaves that were sold by this Waheeda Wardak? Who else bought those slaves? Other noble houses might also be compromised as well..."

Hervey speaks up. "Do you know where the At Sea are finding their cargo? How would a Pathfinder come to be enslaved?"

Kelumur eyes him very closely as he awaits to see what his reply would be with regards to the pathfinder slave. He plays with his daggers, flipping it, here and there with expert skill.

GM, what is the time of day? Do we have time to visit the majordomo and make it to dock for the ship? or must we make it straight for the dock if we want to catch the ship docking.

Slavery is slavery; it should make no difference if a slave is a Pathfinder, and yet it does! Tenibri furrows his brow in consternation.

What do you know of these slavers that they are able to capture and hold a Pathfinder?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"I really don't know anything else, I have nothing to do with the procurement of the merchandise. You will have to talk to Wardek herself about where she gets the slaves."

Orgrim broods over the new information shared by Mahdi "Were there any other slaves that were sold by this Waheeda Wardak? Who else bought those slaves? Other noble houses might also be compromised as well..."

Mahdi hesitates and places his hand on a ledger on the desk "I...that information is not meant to be public. My reputation and business relies upon that fact. I work with many noble houses throughout Absalom and they demand discretion. I could give you that information but not for anything less than 250 gold. The amount of risk is just too great to not receive compensation for. Whatever your personal beliefs are, slavery is legal here and I am running a legitimate business. I have a right to support my family too."

@ Kelumur: I'm going to say it's around noon so you should have time to visit the majordomo still if you would like.

Milos waited to see if any of his companions wanted to apply further 'pressure' on Mahdi. They seemed to be more adept at difficult social situations than he was.

"I'm not heartless. I think we've had enough information to head our task at hand, we can relay the message to our leader at Liberty's Edge and they can pick up from there. I say we head immediately to the docks, unless anyone prefers to visit the majordomo?" Kelumur speaks his opinion.

Tenibri stares at Mahdi. "Legal doesn't mean moral. Dress it up as nice as you want," he turns 360 degrees as he motions his arms at the opulence around them all, "you're still buying and selling people. You disgust me." He spits at the slaver's feet and storms out onto the street.

Fed up with the wealthy man's justification for his right to his business, Tenibri continues his rant out on the street, yelling at the dozens of passersby moving around in the busy market. "This whole place disgusts me! Misery Row. Misery! Is that supposed to be cute, or ironic? That this is legal is an abomination, but the legality is no excuse! Every owner or trader here could be a banker, or a seller of rugs, or a baker; you'd be no poorer for it. You chose this! Ever buyer here could simply hire a butler, maid, or field hand; employ a free individual and enrich a life! You chose this! When you are finally ruined, when history has finally caught up and you find yourself on the wrong side--where you belong!--remember, you! had! a! choice!!!"

Diplomacy DC 16, Season 8 Faction Goal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

The crowd moves past him, unconcerned and uninterested. Tenibri sighs, knowing his words failed to make a difference.

He shrugs his shoulders. "Okay, let's go to the ship."

Orgrim notices Mahdi's movement towards the ledger but doesnt make any move. Instead he looks at Mahdi disarmingly "I understand that your trade is fully in compliance with the law here Mr. Mahdi. However, the information that you possess might help prevent more...unsavory incidents from arising. One of your customers has already been compromised, which is why we're here. We're merely trying to ensure that this situation is contained and that it goes no further. After all, you wouldn't other customers to be compromised and for your reputation as merchant to be ruined would you?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"No one questions the legality of your work, Mr Mahdi, no matter how abhorrent the practice is." Was there a hint of sarcasm there? But Untir continues. "But as you say, since it is all completely above board, surely buying a slave has no more need for discreteness as buying a dog or a cat?" He continues to smile openly at the slaver.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Fine, just take it. But try not to ruin my business with whatever you plan on doing with it." he tosses the ledger at Untir and explains how to decode his shorthand notes. "Now if you're done here, I have some cleaning up to do."

"Your assistance is most appreciated," Untir replies still quite calmly as he turns to leave with the ledger.

As soon as he steps out of the house, however, he scowls and spits at the corner. "Three days of scrubbing in the sweat tent would not remove the stench of speaking with him." He settles down quickly, however. Turning to his party, he suggests, "Let's see if we can make quick trip to the majordomo's office. Wardak is only docking tonight?"

He stands behind Tenibri as he goes on his rant, and could not help but join in. "My friend here speaks the truth. Trace the paths of history and it inevitably leads one way - the abolition of slavery and the liberty of the common man."
diplomacy, aid Tenibri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Along the way, Untir starts flipping through the ledger.